'Elective affinity' definitions:

Definition of 'Elective affinity'

From: GCIDE
  • Elective \E*lect"ive\, a. [Cf. F. ['e]lectif.]
  • 1. Exerting the power of choice; selecting; as, an elective act. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Pertaining to, or consisting in, choice, or right of choosing; electoral. [1913 Webster]
  • The independent use of their elective franchise. --Bancroft. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Bestowed or passing by election; as, an elective office. [1913 Webster]
  • Kings of Rome were at first elective; . . . for such are the conditions of an elective kingdom. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Dependent on choice; that can be refused; as, an elective college course. Opposite of required or mandatory. [1913 Webster +PJC]
  • Elective affinity or Elective attraction (Chem.), a tendency to unite with certain things; chemism. [1913 Webster]